Barbara C Varner

Barbara Jean Curry (henceforth referred to as “Mom”) was born on January 29th, 1939 in Tampa, Florida to William Alfred Curry and Mattie Mae McQuire. When she was a young child, her mother was forced to raise her and her sister Ruby alone. Despite the tough circumstances, Mom was raised by a loving mother who taught her daughters a strong work ethic, the importance of a good education, and to always be kind to others.“Grannie Mae” loved her girls and as she got older and needed more care, Mom stepped in without hesitation to take care of her until she passed, an example she set for her own children.

Mom married Charles Wayne Varner (henceforth referred to as “Dad”) on November 15, 1958 at the First Baptist Church in Tampa. Their early years of marriage were filled with some struggle, but lots of love, adventure, and laughter. Mom would tell us a story from one of their first Christmas’ together, when their Christmas tree was made out of greeting cards sent by friends and when a holiday treat from a friend was enjoyed a little too much, only to find out later that the treat was “rum balls”. She was a devoted wife who loved her husband.

Mom became “Mom” in October of 1959, with the birth of the first of four children, who were her pride and joy. She could always be found at their Cub Scout meetings, school concerts, and other events. “One on one” dates were always a must with mom, including trips to the soda fountain at Woolworths, shopping trips to the mall or eating out at a family favorite restaurant, Morrison’s Cafeteria. But it was the time together at home that was most memorable. Mom loved to make crafts with her kids, and later, her grandkids.This included silly and unique ornaments for Christmas (her favorite holiday) and helping us create our own t-shirts.

While family was top priority for Mom, she also pursued a fulfilling career outside of the home. Her jobs varied, but one favorite for us was when she worked as an administrator to a local frozen food distributor. We waited with anticipation for her to come home, hoping to see if she brought home ice cream bars or popsicles. Her hard work made her a valuable employee. Perhaps her greatest career accomplishment was working several years as a VP of a local chemical company

Faith was just as important as family to Mom. In 1971, she joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints while living in Germany. As a member of the church, she held many important callings of service and leadership, but nothing was more special to her than teaching the youth. She taught early morning seminary for high school students in her own home and also taught the little children in Primary. Loved by her students, she was a memorable teacher not only for the fun lessons but for the love she showed to each child she taught The occasional piece of candy as a bribe didn’t hurt either. For many years, her family would often find her sitting at the dinner table or in her easy chair diligently preparing her lessons.

Mom loved the Lord, loved others and always looked for ways to serve others, both in the church and in the community. After retirement, she spent 20 hours a week for several years volunteering at Hospice, an organization that she loved with all of her heart. It was a major source of pride for her.

She was loved by all who met her. From her wonderful smile to her “room-filling” laugh; from her humility to sense of humor, she was as beautiful inside as she was outside.

She was preceded in death by her father, William Alfred Curry and mother, Mattie Mae McQuire as well as her two sisters, Nona Mae Curry and Ruby Ann Curry. She is survived by her husband,Charles, her children and their spouses, Mitchell Wayne Varner (Sherrie), Michael David Varner (Kristi),Tabitha Ann Connell (Phil), Matthew Joseph Varner (Dawn) as well as 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.